How We Lead

The Academy is committed to collaboration, innovation and respect — supporting an organizational culture where volunteer leaders, members and employees feel welcome, included and empowered to succeed.

The Academy Enterprise, which refers to entities of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is made up of three separate, legal designations:

• The Academy itself is a 501C6 organization, which is supported by membership, and includes the association's accreditation and certification bodies: ACEND and CDR.
• Academy's Political Action Committee, ANDPAC, is a 527 Group, which is a segregated fund earmarked especially for lobbying and other political activities.
• The Academy Foundation is a 501C3 organization and is a separate legal entity from the rest of the Academy.

In addition, affiliate associations (which are separate legal entities) provide Academy members with networking, events, advocacy and educational opportunities at regional, state or local levels.

The Academy 501(c)6 is governed by the Board of Directors in partnership with Executive Leaders. Individuals serving in different volunteer groups — including committees, task forces, networking groups and other leadership bodies — work together with staff as partners to advance the Academy's vision through work aligned with our strategic plan and priorities. Together, these roles create a comprehensive leadership and governance ecosystem designed to implement strategic thinking and planning for concrete action and success metrics to move the organization and profession forward.

• The Board of Directors is legally responsible for the affairs of the Academy — including its strategic direction, fiscal year priorities and budget.
• Academy staff are responsible for operational oversight and implementation under the direction of the Chief Executive Officer.
• Academy committees support the Academy's strategic priorities in the areas of policy and advocacy, research and evidence-based resources, organizational governance, ethics, equity and inclusion, practice excellence and the future of the profession.
• Led by a Council, ACEND is the Academy's accreditation arm that evaluates dietetics education programs seeking to demonstrate compliance with Accreditation Standards.
• Led by a Commission, CDR is the certification arm of the Academy responsible for administering entry-level, specialist and advanced practice credentials.
• The House of Delegates oversees the development of position statements and professional papers, identifying and escalating professional topics and trends for strategic recommendations, amending Academy Bylaws and other duties.
• Member Interest Groups reflect the many interests and characteristics of dietetics practitioners and the public they serve.
• Dietetic Practice Groups create professional resources and opportunities centered around specialty areas of practice.

Governing documents establish the legal hierarchy that guides an organization's governance and operations. At the top is state law, which provides the legal framework for not-for-profit and professional associations in Illinois. Next are the Academy Bylaws (PDF), which are rules adopted by the organization for governing association affairs, followed by policies that provide guidance for activities within the constraints of the bylaws and state law.